County Executive

Contact: Jane Lerner, Director of Strategic CommunicationsOffice of the County Executive (845) 638-5645

Volunteers needed for Rockland Suicide Prevention Coalition

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day announces the creation of the Rockland Suicide Prevention Coalition and a need for volunteers to help those affected by a suicide loss.

"Suicide is a tragedy with many victims," the County Executive said. "We want to work to prevent suicide and also to provide help for those grieving."

The Rockland County Department of Mental Health under the direction of Commissioner Michael Leitzes and MHA of Rockland are co-sponsors of the Rockland Suicide Prevention Coalition.

The Coalition is currently focusing on "postvention" – a coordinated response for a community or family impacted by a suicide loss.

"We are currently forming teams to reach out, when needed, to those impacted by a death by suicide with information and resources to promote healing and recovery," the County Executive said.

Volunteers who are familiar with Rockland County are needed for postvention and other roles said Brigid Pigott, a social worker with the Rockland County Department of Mental Health.

"We are looking for people from all backgrounds who have a listening ear and a kind heart," she said. "We are a group of volunteers who will be present, as invited, to provide information and help guide a family or a group of people through the grief process."

The Coalition is looking for people who can be available for at least quarterly meetings and table top exercises.

Volunteers are needed to fill all types of positions.

"We need people who are good with logistics and others who would want to be on call to respond to a loss from suicide with information," she said. "We are also looking for people to conduct community awareness or training campaigns."

The Postvention response is not therapy or treatment, although the Coalition can connect anyone to those resources.

Volunteers from the community are welcome to be a part of the many projects planned through the Rockland Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Brigid Pigott at 845-364-2399 or pigottb@co.rockland.ny.us